Iowans representing a range of industries and communities, including several from the Corridor, are among 40 graduates from the Leadership Iowa 2024-25 program, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation announced.
The Leadership Iowa graduates participated in a formal ceremony on June 12 at the ABI Taking Care of Business Conference in Council Bluffs.
Leadership Iowa is the ABI Foundation’s statewide issues-awareness program designed to educate and inspire current and emerging leaders. The program, which began in 1982, has now graduated nearly 1,500 individuals.
“This program brings together a diverse group of professionals from across the state to explore Iowa’s greatest strengths and most pressing challenges, all while fostering connections and inspiring action,” said Jessi McQuerrey, ABI Foundation director of programs. “These leaders truly demonstrate what’s possible when Iowans unite to learn, lead, and drive positive change.”
Corridor participants in the program included:
- Melissa Baker of the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa
- Zach Bohannon of First Interstate Bank in Cedar Rapids
- Ellie Evans of First Mainstreet Insurance in Cedar Rapids
- Theresa Lewis of The Arc of East Central Iowa in Cedar Rapids
- Aaron Loan of Gallagher in Cedar Rapids
- Dave Storey of Rainbow Enterprises LLC in Swisher
- Sue Wilber of the City of Marion
The 2024-25 program began in October and included monthly two-day sessions in various communities across Iowa. Stops included Algona, Clarinda, Shenandoah, Ottumwa, Des Moines, Clinton, Sioux Center and Cedar Rapids.
Topics covered included agriculture, economic development, manufacturing, education, government and public safety.
Leadership Iowa sessions featured discussions with subject-matter experts, industry tours and interactive experiences designed to provide participants with insight into the state’s key issues and sectors.
Kuder Navigator sponsored the graduation ceremony. Presenting sponsors for the program included Chevron and EMC Insurance. Additional sponsors were Central Iowa Power Cooperative, Community State Bank, Emerson, Grinnell Mutual, the Iowa Soybean Association, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, MidAmerican Energy Company, Musco Lighting and Pella Corporation.
